Bachmann BR Standard 3MT 2-6-2T
The model was new in 2009 and features an opening smoke box door, highly detailed cab interior, different styles of lamp brackets and cab roofs with small or large opening air vents. Models are correctly fitted with either fluted or plain coupling rods and Western Region locomotives feature the extra prototypical handrail on the top of the boiler. It has an 8-pin decoder socket. 31-976A is in BR lined green with late decals on its tanks and numbered 82030.
This was the Riddles larger mixed traffic 2-6-2T locomotive of 1952, which was designed and built at Swindon for light passenger work. It was a heavier version of the 2MT, with 10 tons extra weight and larger driving wheels. They were for routes having a 16 ton axle loading but, as these routes were upgraded, larger tank engines took over the work. Only 45 were built and these took the 82xxx number range. They were seen in Wales, the West Country, the northern Pennines and, in later years, they were seen hauling empty stock at Clapham Junction.